What is a Biblical University?

In the history of western higher education, biblical and theological studies were central to every student’s education. Over time and with the specialization of higher education programs such studies have been relegated to an elective option for students who have religious interests. However, there are still higher education institutions that have maintained a core requirement of biblical and theological studies. The biblical university is one such distinctive educational model. It is not a traditional Bible college, familiar to many as a place where students prepare for ministry. Neither is it a Christian liberal arts university. It is something different from either of those models.

Biblical university students receive a genuine university education that intentionally integrates all of life and learning as they take up a serious study of Bible and theology along side their liberal arts and professional studies. They earn degrees in various professional areas, participate in athletic, musical, and other co-curricular activities, enjoy a vibrant campus life, and prepare for life, vocation, and further study but in a context that is shaped by a biblically centered mission and vision. Each student is challenged to think biblically about God, themselves, and the world in which they live. In addition, by virtue of the nature of the Christian faith and the teaching of the Bible, students are expected to develop godly character and commit their lives to service in the church, society, and the world.

Today high school students often find themselves in the difficult position of making higher education decisions based on very pragmatic factors such as cost, location, financial aid packaging, or program offerings. But perhaps the most important factor to consider is mission fit. Does the college or university being considered possess a mission and distinctive characteristics that match the student’s perspective, expectations, and potential? One option for students seriously considering a distinctive approach to higher education is the biblical university.

Traditionally, Bible colleges require students to primarily study Bible and theology. Bible colleges originally provided only ministry training for laypersons or vocational ministers. Of course not all Bible colleges are the same and some are without regional accreditation and offer a limited scope of academic opportunities. However, there are some standout schools that would be a great fit and provide a superb education for many students. Some schools like Philadelphia Biblical University have distinguished themselves from Bible colleges by becoming universities. These schools deliver excellent liberal arts education and degrees such as the bachelor’s in education, social work, music, business administration, and others, along with graduate study offerings in many professional fields. This university status communicates an embracing of rigorous study in all academic disciplines from a perspective informed by biblical teaching. The Bible is still central but there is no hesitancy about broader intellectual pursuits. Students committed to the Christian faith can approach their higher education decisions knowing that choosing a Christian education and more specifically a biblical education does not mean sacrificing academic quality.

In the end, the question is not, "Why choose a biblical education?" For the student who holds to the Christian faith and is looking for a distinctive approach to higher education, the question is, "Why choose less?"

Editorial Provided by Todd J. Williams, PhD, President, Philadelphia Biblical University.